Parks & Recreation

Camping and Reservations

Camping Dates & Availability

May 15 – Sept. 15

• Reserve individual campsites up to nine months in advance

• Unreserved sites are available for one-night walk-in stays

Sept. 16 – May 14

• Individual campsites are walk-in only (first-come, first-served)

• Reservations are not available

Closures

• Mayfield Lake Park campsites: Oct. 16 – April 14

• All parks: Dec. 20 – Jan. 1

---

Reservations

• Reserve online to save on booking fees or call 833-290-8180 to reserve by phone.

  • Both options provide the same real-time campsite availability, but reservation via phone call is a higher fee.

• Learn more about ADA-accessible sites.

• Learn more about park reservations and fees.

• Our reservation system is for Tacoma Power Parks only and is not part of Washington State Parks.

---

Park Hours & Check-In

• Campground check-in: 2:30 p.m.

• Check-out: 1 p.m.

• Day-use hours: 8 a.m. to dusk
  (boat launches and picnic areas)

Apply Today: Seasonal Opportunities at Tacoma Power Parks

We are currently accepting applications for seasonal positions at our parks and hydro projects.

Embrace the great outdoors and be part of our dynamic team. Revel in the joy of physical activity and engaging tasks that make a positive impact on nature and the experiences of our visitors. 

Now hiring:
Cowlitz Seasonal Park and Grounds Maintenance Aide

Bear Gulch Updates

As of November 6, 2025: The Bear Gulch Fire is 100% contained, and Lake Cushman is open to the public.

However, most of the Staircase Road (FS-24) system remains closed. The following recreation sites connected to Tacoma Power are closed until October 1, 2026:

• Bear Gulch Picnic Area
• Cushman Day-Use Shoreline Access Sites 1–5
• Mt. Rose Trailhead

Please note additional U.S. Forest Service sites in the area may also be closed. For full closure details, view National Park Service trail and campsite closures.

Boat Launch and Day Use Area Updates

For information on boat launches, day use area access, river flows and lake levels, please visit the River Flows and Lake Levels page.
You can also call the Fishing and recreation line for all parks: 888-502-8690.

Boating and Cold Water Safety

We want visitors to our recreation areas to have a fun and safe time.

We ask that visitors please observe and follow all boating regulations: Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office Boating Information Portal

• Wear your life jacket: All vessels must have one readily accessible life jacket for each person on board.
• Never boat or swim under the influence.
• Travel at safe speeds.
• Look for water level changes, floating debris, rock outcrops, and stumps. (Get lake level info at MyTPU.org/LakeLevels.)

More resources:

• Life Jacket information: Washington State Parks Life Jacket Tips and Wear it Life Jacket
• Washington State Parks Boating Program
• Washington State Boater Education Card
• National Safe Boating Council

It’s important to remember that warm air temperatures don’t equal warm water temperatures. Even if it’s hot outside, the water is extremely cold. The farther from shore, the colder the water can be as well.

According to NOAA, cold water drains body heat up to 4 times faster than cold air. Cold shock can be just as severe and dangerous from water temperatures of 50-60F as it is from water at 35F. Even experienced swimmers can quickly lose muscle control.

Learn more by watching this story included in the July 9, 2021, edition of the Tacoma Report (from 1:06 – 3:02). 

How to protect yourself and your loved ones from cold water hazards:

• NOAA Cold Water Hazards and Safety
• Washington State Parks – Cold Water Safety
• National Center for Cold Water Safety

Burn Ban Information

See the Department of Natural Resources and respective county websites for burn ban details by county. Alder Lake Park is in Pierce County; Mossyrock, Taidnapam and Mayfield Lake parks are in Lewis County.

Local Tourism Resources and Maps

• White Pass Scenic Byway
• White Pass Scenic Byway Map
• Discover Lewis County
• Pierce County – Explore
• Travel Tacoma – Mt. Rainier

The following maps are courtesy of the WDFW Cowlitz Wildlife Area (CWA) team:

• Peterman Hill Unit Trail Map (trail is co-managed by Tacoma Power and the CWA)

The following trails are managed by the CWA:

• Kosmos-Rainey Creek Kiosk Map
• Mossyrock Unit Kiosk Map
• Swofford Pond Boat Ramp Kiosk Map